How Auto Accidents Cause Whiplash Injuries

By Michael Verna on September 28, 2016

Here at Bowles & Verna, we always strive to assist the people of Walnut Creek. Our team of attorneys will fight for the injury victims based in the Bay Area, making sure that they have their voices heard.

This diligent legal assistance is important for lawsuits involving injury auto accidents. Whiplash is a common injury sustained in auto collisions that people often misunderstand. Let's take a moment to consider whiplash in a bit more detail.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash refers to a certain type of neck injury. It is the result of a sudden overextension of a person's neck. The motion of the neck and the way it is jarred is reminiscent of a the movements of a whip being cracked, hence the term whiplash.

Whiplash can affect different structures of the neck, including the vertebrae, the vertebral discs, the muscles and tendons of the neck, and nerves in the neck and upper back. Severe whiplash can lead to major injuries and trauma.

What Causes Whiplash?

You might assume that whiplash is the result of all sorts of high-speed collisions. While whiplash can occur under different sorts of conditions, it is most common during read-end accidents. Many times rear-end collisions at low-to-moderate speeds are more likely to result in whiplash injuries.

We should also note that whiplash can also occur during contact sports, combat sports, physical assaults, and other kinds of vehicle accidents.

The Signs and Symptoms of Whiplash

Symptoms of whiplash can take a day or so to appear. Sometimes symptoms may show up days later. That said, the most common signs and symptoms of whiplash include the following:

Neck pain (especially when moving your head)

Stiffness of the neck

Loss of range of motion in your neck

Headaches (often at the base of the skull)

Soreness in the upper back or shoulders

Numbness or tingling in the arms

Fatigue

Dizziness

In addition to the above, some people may also experience the following as a result of whiplash: blurry vision, ringing in the ears, memory problems, problems with concentration, sleep problems, irritability, depression.

Long-Term Problems Caused by Whiplash

If you do not have a case of whiplash diagnosed and addressed soon after the injury, it can have lasting repercussions. Some people may experience long-term neck pain, long-term changes in mobility, and even issues with moving their hands and arms. If the whiplash was severe, there may be damaged vertebrae, soft tissue injuries, and other problems that need proper medical attention.

How Our Injury Attorneys Can Help You

If you are the victims in an auto accident, the motorist of the other vehicle may be liable for the injuries that you have sustained. An attorney can help seek damages from the negligent party. By collecting damages, the liable party will provide compensation for medical bills, physical therapy, vehicle damage, lost wages, and other losses related to the injury. In addition, punitive damages may also be sought depending on the nature of the incident. Ultimately a lawyer will make sure the person responsible for your injuries and hardships is held legally and financially accountable.

Learn More About Whiplash Injuries

For more information about your legal rights and options following a serious neck injury or incident of whiplash, be sure to contact our team of experienced personal injury lawyers today. The attorneys of Bowles & Verna are here to help you in your time of legal need.